There are no political obstacles to the reinforcement of Palestinian-Hungarian economic relations, Péter Szijjártó announced at the Hungarian-Palestinian business forum.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade highlighted: it is the responsibility of the governments to pave the way for the development of economic relations. The paving stones were laid in the case of Palestine: the Foreign Ministries of the two countries signed a cooperation agreement last November, he stated.
He said: having peace, security and stability in the Middle-East is in the best interests of Europe and Hungary as well. A two-state solution can only be reached by curbing violence and through direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine, he pointed out. Hungary takes the view that the efforts and assistance of the international community are required to make the peace talks work, and supports all initiatives which help to relaunch the peace talks, he said.
Mr Szijjártó said that Palestine would like to diversify its food industry and agricultural imports, and Hungary boasts very good results in both areas. He also rendered an account of the grandiose plan for the construction of a canal between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, for which Hungarian construction industry companies in possession of the relevant international certificates are also free to submit bids.
Mr Szijjártó highlighted that Eximbank is able to provide both legal and financial support for the purposes of bilateral deals. A credit line is available to Hungarian businesses exporting to Palestine as well as to Palestinian businesses seeking business opportunities in Hungary, he said. Hungary is committed to providing humanitarian and development assistance, he pointed out, adding that Hungary supported the European Commission’s USD 268 million package in March which it provided for developing and assisting Palestinian territories.
He also said that as of September the number of scholarships available to Palestinian students for studying in Hungary was increased from 15 to 50. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki highlighted: relations between the two countries which date back to 30 years have traditionally concentrated on political aspects, despite the fact that the economic aspects and the promotion of investments are equally important. It is not too late to reinforce economic relations as well, and this business forum, too, offers a good opportunity to do so, he pointed out. The Foreign Minister highlighted: Palestinian businessmen are present throughout the world, including Hungary. Their achievements should be channelled into an institutionalised business forum.
He took the view: recommendations should be given by both countries to scholarship holders as to the most important areas in bilateral relations on which they should focus. This is a very good strategic investment in long-term relations, he pointed out. During the course of the business forum, the representatives of the two countries’ chambers of commerce also signed a memorandum of understanding. The event was organised by the Hungarian National Trading House and the Palestinian Investment Promotion Agency.